Shark Focus - Issue 64 by The Shark Trust

INPINKTHE HOW CHANGECLIMATEIS SHARKSAFFECTING RAYSMANTATHE OF AMPATRAJA ‘INSPECTOR CLOUSEAU’ SPOTTED IN AUSTRALIA ISSUE 64 SUMMER COLLECTIVE2020ACTION FOR SHARKS

known pink manta ray in the world! Find out more on p.7. Photo

Photography. sharktrust.org2.

WELCOMEWELCOMEsummer2020 ISSUE

GLENYSHOUSEKEEPINGHEAFIELD Company Secretary Head of Finance & Administration Clouseau’‘Inspector-theonly by Kristian Laine

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“ THE FIRST WEALTH IS HEALTH.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson. As with all charities the past few months, and those yet to come, have and will be challenging. The main focus was Brexit. Now it’s Coronavirus, which has sadly affected the whole world and families around the globe. At the time of writing we’re all working from home. This means we’ve been unable to keep our online shop open, resulting in a drop in sales income for the year. We also expect a drop in donations as countrywide events are cancelled. So, we’re very grateful for all your ongoing support.

TRUSTEES:

March 3 rd 2020 marked my 20 th anniversary at the Trust. I’ve seen many changes in this time and worked with many terrific people. Our conservation work is second to none and the entire team of 8 work tirelessly, even in these very difficult times. This wouldn’t be possible without your wonderful support. Thank you all! Hopefully by the time you’re reading this life will be on the road to recovery. If we’re all still isolating, or maybe now just socially distancing, stay safe. Look after yourselves and your loved ones, and remember to sign up to our newsletter or follow us on social media to keep in touch.

DESIGN: Hazel crossfireagency.comGraham

© Shark Trust 2020 Shark Focus is copyrighted, so those wishing to reproduce articles must first contact the Shark Trust. The views and opinions expressed by the authors are not necessarily those of the Shark Trust.

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WELCOME! The summer issue of Shark Focus comes to you as we’re all embarking on a gradual return to normal. Through these difficult times, we’ve been amazed and delighted by the continued interest and support for our work. And grateful for the many new members that have joined us during this uncertain period. For this issue we decided on the theme of “getting involved”. Looking at the many ways people can, and do, help to safeguard sharks. The idea of collective action runs through a lot of our work. The collective value of thousands of individual eggcase records. Or the collection of petition signatures, or tweets, to demonstrate a united front to policymakers. It’s all about many small acts that can make a big difference. Sadly, some of this seems far away at the moment. Many of us will have had to cancel dive trips or put off our fundraising runs this year. So, for now, maybe the best way that you can “get involved” is to put the kettle on, find a quiet place and dive into Shark Focus 64 . Maybe when you’re done, you’ll be inspired to start making plans for a time when we can move more freely and get back to experiencing and helping the animals we love. Stay safe and enjoy the read. 64 Creykes Court, The Millfields, Plymouth, PL1 3JB, UK +44 (0)1752 672008 focus@sharktrust.org www.sharktrust.org Jane Attwood, Jayne EnsellBowen, Roger Covey, Dan Fairweather, Sarah Fowler OBE, Charles Hood and Richard Peirce.

ADDRESS:TRUSTSHARK 4

PATRONS: Steve Backshall, Nick Baker, John Boyle, Leonard Compagno, Marc Dando, Bob Earll, Nigel Eaton, Ian Fergusson, Mariella Frostrup, Loyd Grossman, John Gummer MP, Monty Halls, Martha Holmes, Kate Humble, Sir David Jason OBE, Gordon Ramsay OBE, Simon Rogerson, MichaelaStafford-Deitsch,JeremyStrachan and Valerie Taylor.

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3.sharktrust.org FEATURES 08 PEOPLE POWER Collective Action for Sharks 10 SIGNING UP FOR CHANGE Do Petitions Make a Difference? 12 THE MANTA RAYS OF RAJA AMPAT 16 WHITE SHARK POSTER 21 HOW CLIMATE CHANGE IS AFFECTING SHARKS Tom Hird REGULARS 04 YOUR VIEWS 0 6 GLOBAL SHARK NEWS 14 . SHARK TALK Ali Hood 15 SHARK TALK Paul Cox 18 FUNDRAISING 20 . CREATURE FEATURE Greenland 28 PUP’S CLUB CONTENTS 12 . 21 . 26 . 25 . DAY thein LIFE climate and sharks TOM HIRD ECO tourism S AVING angels 08 . PUP’S CLUB surprising places sharks live the COLLECTIVE ACTION issue 22 . GREAT EGGCASE HUNT Project Update 23 . BASKING SHARKS Project Update 24 . WHO’S WHO? Updated ID Guides - Out Now! 25 . SAVING THREATENED SPECIES Angel Sharks 26 . SHARK CAREERS A Day in the Life

YOUR views

YOUR VIEWS

“Walking along the coast path near our home on the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall, myself and my brother spotted a Basking Shark close to shore. It’s something I’ve wanted to photograph for years and the conditions seemed perfect with crystal clear waters and a calm sea. My brother entered the water for a swim and the shark came near allowing me to take a bird’s eye photo, giving some scale to the encounter. Growing up on the Lizard I’ve developed a real passion and respect for the coastline here and all over Cornwall. Having photographed it from the air for the past 6 years this has really made me appreciate it even more and it’s fascinating to see new and fresh perspectives of familiar areas. It’s always a welcome sight to see wildlife and marine life from the coast path and seeing Basking Sharks feed in the clear shallows was certainly a highlight. I know numbers have been quite low over the past few years so I felt it was important to report this sighting to the Shark Trust and hopefully we can get a clearer and broader picture of their habits, journey and numbers overall.” - MATT BURTWELL, AERIAL CORNWALL Shark Trust: Wow! Incredible photos Matt!! Thank you so much for sharing and reporting your sighting. You can find out more about Basking Sharks and how to safely interact with them at www.baskingsharks.org.

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Send your questions, comments and photos to focus@sharktrust.org and you may appear in our next issue. Basking Shark swims by Matt’s brother sharktrust.org

“A few months ago you kindly sent me 4 shark adoption certificates as my prizes for winning 4 categories in the NUPG underwater print Unfortunatelycompetition.

THANKS TO YOU...

– JOHN SPENCER

“Thank you. I was so glad when I first came across your charityfor sharks!! I grew up in Namibia and have always had a soft spot for them… Keep up the good work and stay safe.” - KERRY

“I’m glad to hear that the Trust is working hard. Keep up the good work!��” - ETHAN CEBULA

@TheSharkTrust @SharkTrustUK 5. SHIVER OF SHARKS

WELCOME FRAN!

Thanks!” - FRAN FARRAR Shark Trust: Thanks for your lovely feedback Fran. It’s great to hear you enjoyed the last issue and welcome to our shark community!

email,“ThanksSALISBURYMORGANforthegoodtohear from you. Will still be walking my whippet on the beach and looking for eggcases. Good to be able to participate in the project. Keep well.” - MARIAN ROCHESTER Shark Trust: Congratulations on winning the competition John! Thank you for your email – it’s wonderful to hear that your granddaughters are as mad about sharks as we all are. We hope they enjoyed their packs and discovering more about Whale Sharks.

“Thank you for your email. I would just like to reassure you that from my perspective it’s always relevant to talk about sharks and (all) ocean conservation which is why I support your efforts wholeheartedly… Keep up the good work!” - TREVOR BARRETT

I don’t have room for 4 sharks, never mind a shiver, so my idea to give them to my 4 granddaughters seemed to solve the problem. The 3 eldest, Isabelle and Georgia (aged 7), and Jessica (aged 5), are all mad about sharks. Emma, not quite 2, can say ‘ fish ‘, which is a start. I have attached two images of the girls with their certificates (thank you for printing their individual names on them) and a couple of the Christmas cards the Whale Sharks have sent them!!!”

“INOONANwanted to say a big thank you for continuing to send emails at this time. My son aged 9 loves sharks and we made the shark puppet after reading your email. Please see attached photo of Timothy Shark. Hope you like him! I have also signed up for Pup’s Club today. If you could thank all your colleagues and send our best wishes.” –

“I’ve recently joined the Shark Trust so this was my first packed copy of Shark Focus - and it arrived just before Christmas which meant I was able to share and excitedly enthuse about sharks and the Trust with ALL my family!

ItthesemessagesThankCOVID-19youallforyourkindandsupportoverchallengingfewmonths.meansalottous!

2019 was another great year for sharks. Here’s just some of the positive change you helped us achieve. Find out more and download our 2019 achievements infographic at www.sharktrust. org/our-work. Thank you for all your support – we couldn’t do this without you!

2019 JOINEDTIMELINEUPTHINKING: COLLABORATION JAN FEB MAR APR JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC SPURDOG SAMPLING EVENT WITH CEFAS ■ GSRI ANNUAL MEETING IN SHARK OUTFIT. ■ PRE-CITES COP MEETING IN SENEGAL LAUNCHED SHARK & RAY ENTANGLEMENT NETWORK WITH EXETER UNIVERSITY ANGEL SHARK PROJECT: WALES STEERING GROUP MEETING ■ LAUNCH OF GREAT EGGCASE HUNT: PORTUGAL ■ RAC/SPA MEETING P (LISTING OF MAKOS, GIANT GUITARFISHES & WEDGEFISHES) ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE (ITALY) 250,000 EGGCASE RECORDED ■ ICCAT SCRS REGIONAL ACTION PLAN LAUNCHED CMS MOU ADVISORY COMMITTEE ■ NEW ANGEL SHARK PUBLICATION ■ RFMO SHARK BYCATCH MEETING      COLLABORATION we  collaborateto cooperatingasCONTRIBUTE‘observers’to4RFMOsandpartner to CMS Sharks PARTNERSHIPSMOU7 key partnerships with 70 organisations giving a global reach INFLUENCING>100Nations  GLOBAL MEETINGS including with RFMOs, European Commission and UKAgenciesGovernment ADOPTION SCHEMES Supporting 2 external and 2 internal projects ADVOCATING FOR: SCIENCE BASED MANAGEMENT & CONSERVATION MEASURES BLUE SHARKS ENDANGERED SHORTFIN MAKOS REMAIN EXPOSED TO FISHERIES PRESSURE FIRST EVER CATCH LIMITS ADOPTED FOR BLUE SHARK (ICCAT 2019) GIANT GUITARFISHES & WEDGEFISHES LISTED UNDER CITES APPENDIX II REQUIRING NEW TRADE CONTROLS GLOBAL ACTION: RFMO PRIORITIES GFCM: ATTACHED.FINS&SPECIES&CHAMPIONINGEXPANDINGLISTINGSENFORCINGNATURALLY ICCAT: MAKING TIME FOR ATTACHED.FINSPORBEAGLEBLUEMAKOS,SHARKS,&NATURALLY NAFO: ATTACHED.&GREENLANDPROHIBITIONINTERNATIONALENFORCINGONSHARKFINSNATURALLY CITIZEN SCIENCE: RECORDED SIGHTINGS RECORDEDEGGCASESINTOTAL 253,056 BASKING REPORTEDSHARKSIN2019 47 Highlights 2019 WANT TO KNOW MORE? SHARKTRUST.ORG E D M C COUNTRIES 1,246 27 68,000 SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWING OUR SUPPORTERS MEMBERS SUPPORTING SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES: FISHERIES ADVISORIES & HANDLING GUIDES: 49 SPECIES CARDS DEVELOPED 500 COPIES PRODUCED 300 POSTERS PRINTED 7 ADDITIONAL LANGUAGES SPECIES 9010 RHINO RAYSMAKOS INCIDENTS REPORTED ➟ ➟ ➟ NETWORKENTANGLEMENTRAY&SHARK FOCUS ON IMPLEMENTATION OF EXISTING LEGISLATION John with his granddaughters

The Daggernose Shark ( Isogomphodon oxyrhynchus ) is named for its elongated, flattened snout. It’s known to have a very small distributional range in the coastal and estuarine waters of northern South America. Yet, for the first time ever, this Critically Endangered shark has now been documented in a freshwater ecosystem, about 110km up the Pindaré River, Brazil. This individual was found tangled in a gill-net by artisanal fishermen, again highlighting the importance of communication and cooperation between the fishing community, researchers, and policy makers.

GLOBAL

DECEMBER

Epaulette Sharks are often seen ‘strolling’ between rock pools in search of food.

NOVEMBER BRAZIL // Elusive Shark Found in Freshwater Ecosystem

A new round of IUCN Red List Global Assessments has resulted in a new or updated status for 69 shark and ray species. The Oceanic Whitetip Shark was reclassified from Vulnerable to Critically Endangered, due to >98% declines in its global population.

6. LARSEN.BJORNMORTENMUSTARD;ALEX© sharktrust.org/news

A long-term study has resulted in the identification of 4 new species of ‘walking sharks’. All living in the tropical waters between northern Australia and Papua New Guinea. Scientists were able to identify them from already described species of carpet sharks through genetic analyses of small fin clips. Belonging to the Hemiscyllium genus, these small sharks are often referred to as epaulette or carpet sharks. Using their muscular pectoral and pelvic fins they ‘walk’ along the sea-floor and between rock pools at low tide. A total of 9 species of walking sharks are now known to exist.

The Pelagic Thresher Shark, Basking Shark and Chilean Devil Ray were all uplisted from Vulnerable to Endangered. While the Great and Scalloped Hammerheads moved from Endangered to Critically Endangered. On a more positive note the Galapagos Shark was downlisted from Near Threatened to Least Concern. These updates provide valuable information that’ll help direct future conservation efforts for these species.

JANUARY

OCEANIA // New Species of ‘Walking Sharks’ Discovered

NEWSGLOBAL

themantaknown-Clouseau’‘Inspectortheonlypinkrayinworld!news

GLOBAL // IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Elasmobranch Assessment Updates

MARCH

7. PEARSON.ANDREWPHOTOGRAPHY;LAINEKRISTIAN©

AUSTRALIA // Rare Pink Manta A rarely seen pink Reef Manta Ray ( Mobula alfredi ) has been spotted in the waters surrounding Lady Elliot Island, Great Barrier Reef. This ~3.3m male has been sighted fewer than 10 times since first being spotted in 2015. Nicknamed ‘Inspector Clouseau’, he’s the only known pink manta ray in the world! Scientists initially suspected his unusual colour was down to a skin infection or his diet. But, following a skin biopsy both causes were ruled out. It’s now believed that his rosy hue is a result of a condition called erythrism, a genetic mutation in melanin production. Yet researchers don’t think this will impact his survival.

BRITISH ISLES // It’s a ‘Family’ Affair for Many Basking Sharks

FEBRUARY

Basking Shark

AFRICA // Two New Species of Sawshark Identified Scientists researching small-scale fisheries off Madagascar and Zanzibar have identified 2 new species of six-gill sawshark ( Pliotrema kajae and Pliotrema annae ). Growing to ~1.5m long, they were distinguished from the only previously known six-gill sawshark ( Pliotrema warren ) by morphological differences in their barbels and colouration. These findings emphasise how much we’re still discovering about elasmobranchs!

Researchers analysing the DNA profiles of over 400 Basking Sharks have revealed a startling discovery. Individuals travelling within aggregations in the Northeast Atlantic are more closely related than previously thought. Scientists obtained mucus swabs from the skin of sharks while they were feeding at the surface. DNA analyses discovered that individuals within all-female aggregations exhibited a higher level of relatedness than those within all-male or mixed groups. It’s thought that this ‘family’ way of life could be a way of learning migration routes. Or maybe it’s a consequence of foraging site fidelity.

TheSharkTrust SharkTrustUK

sharktrust.org8. PEOPLEGETINVOLVED IN THIS SECTION 10 . Signing up for Change 12 . The Mantas of Raja Ampat 18 . Fundraising LUNDGRENMAGNUS©

DAVID MITCHELL, Cloud Atlas

f you care about the future of sharks then it’s natural to give your support to organisations like the Shark Trust. But we know that contemporary conservation must go way beyond handing out the begging bowl for support. We live in a world where engagement is king. Even now as we contemplate the “new normal” we know that your desire to actively support the cause means we need to keep finding ways that you can GET INVOLVED.

So, in this issue, we wanted to highlight a few ways that people have been, and can be, involved in the drive for change. At the heart of all of this is the idea of collective action. Whether fundraising, recording sightings, signing a petition or changing your diving practice – even your membership of the Trust itself. It’s the power of the collective that gives us the ability to make real change. This has been at the heart of the Trust since we began. It’s positive change that’s drives our mission. And everyone can be a part of that change if they get involved. No action is too small if enough people do it.

“My life amounts to no more than one drop in a limitless ocean. Yet what is any ocean, but a multitude of drops?”

22 . EggcaseGreatHunt 23 . BaskingProjectShark 25 . Angel Sharks of the Mediterranean

sharktrust.org 9. POWER

“ ” PETITIONS ALONE DON’T CHANGE...CREATEWENEEDPUBLICSUPPORT sharktrust.org

Petitions have long been a tool for people to voice their desire for change. But do they actually make a difference? How best can we exercise PEOPLE POWER in the drive for shark conservation?

To succeed with our campaigns, we need public support. Petitions can be a vital foot in the door, they tell policymakers that there’s broad support for our work. But sometimes, that’s not enough. We also need to have a solid evidence base and a viable and realistic solution to the problem at hand. Advocacy is the art of turning public support into policy action. That requires a longer-term strategy.

PAPRZYCKIRALPH© 10.

O ver the years, we’ve collected hundreds of thousands of signatures in support of our campaigns. And they’ve made a huge difference when we’ve had to convince governments of the need to listen to our arguments to protect sharks. But petitions alone don’t create change. And the rise of the online petition has, in many ways, diluted the impact of each individual campaign. It’s relatively easy now to get thousands, even millions, of people to click their support. Policymakers know this and they play the numbers game accordingly. So, is there still a place for the good old petition?

SIGNING up for CHANGE

In recent years, we’ve consciously moved away from petitions. We’ve been able to harness the existing goodwill towards our work. And worked within our influential coalition partnerships to continually push the case for ending the overfishing of sharks. And it’s making a difference. While the first finning bans were supported by large petitions, now finning bans are spreading globally thanks to sustained advocacy. The notion of sustainable fisheries is gaining ground. Just last year, a sustained campaign brought us the first catch limit on Blue Sharks in high-seas fisheries. There is change. But we need more, and we

2002

TheSharkTrust SharkTrustUK TheSharkTrust 11. 2014180,000need it to accelerate. All of these changes are made possible because we’ve shown that we have public support for our approach.

While petitions have their limits in the digital age, demonstrating support still matters. And can still make a difference. Our members, social media engagement, our citizen scientists. All of these can provide us with tangible demonstrations that you are passionate about sharks. And you have our back when talking to policymakers. Later this year we’ll be returning to the table to push again for an end to the damaging overfishing of mako’s. The COVID situation has complicated the process. Vital policy meetings have been cancelled and decisions are being postponed. Add into that the evolving “New EU” without the influence of the UK. It’s a challenge. We’ll be ramping up the campaign in the second half of the year and we’ll be calling on people across Europe to show that they care about the future of sharks and expect their governments to follow science. How can you get involved? Simple, follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Help us build the community by sharing our posts, commenting and retweeting. And, just when the time is right, we’ll be asking you to make some very specific noise in the right places. Stay tuned! We took a trailer-load of petition signatures to Brussels. This show of support added pressure to the mounting call for a ban on shark finning. The first European finning ban passed in 2003. Then, in 2006, we became a founder member of the Shark Alliance. Signatures collected across Europe as part of that initiative helped keep pressure on the EU to lead on shark conservation. The adoption of Fins Naturally Attached in 2013 was, in no small part, due to this support. And leaves us with an ongoing legacy of strong relations with EU decision makers. Since 2014, we’ve collected 180,000 signatures in support of our No Limits? campaign. In 2017 we met EU Commissioners to hand over evidence of this public support for our call to end uncontrolled shark fishing. This has been an important facet of the work to shore up commitments from the UK Government and EU on sustainable fisheries. Off the back of this our advocacy work has intensified with the formation of the Shark League. Aimed squarely at transforming high-seas fisheries.

MANTA

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actively encourage them to compete for mating rights, so males are motivated to avoid oneRajaanother.Ampat has become increasingly popular as a scuba diving destination. Cleaning stations are always a favourite for divers. Manta rays will reliably spend time at these locations, sometimes circling a small patch of reef for hours at a time. Cleaning stations are vital to both their personal health and their social lives. We need to take care to avoid disruption to these activities.

VENABLES Marine Megafauna Foundation (MMF) “ ” ONE SOCIAL COMMUNITY OF PRIMARILY FEMALE RAYS, WE CALL THE ‘COFFEE CIRLCE’

To maintain a great experience for both the manta rays, and manta enthusiasts, visitor numbers and behaviours require some management to ensure sustainability. The Misool Eco Resort is organising the itinerary of visiting liveaboard dive vessels, ensuring that only one boat is present on key manta cleaning stations at any one time.

T he Raja Ampat archipelago is a special place. The waters surrounding the 1500 islands contain ~80% of the world’s coral species, over 1,350 species of fish, at least 17 marine mammals, and both manta rays. As one of the few locations where both species are present, there’s a high level of research interest. Teams of scientists and conservationists are all working to help develop local management and protectionIndividualinitiatives.mantarays can be identified by the unique markings on their appearcertainmarkings.tophotographtheirtheirspecificallyunderside,betweengillsandonbellies.WethemrecordtheseAlthoughmantastofrequentdifferent parts of the archipelago, both Reef and Giant Mantas roam widely throughout these waters. Reef Mantas typically form groups at feeding and cleaning sites. Within a small area we’ve seen two distinct but connected communities. One is a social community made up of primarily mature females – we call it the Coffee Circle. The other is a mix of male, female, and juvenile rays with few social connections.TheCoffee Circle formed a clear group with bonds lasting from weeks to months. Adult males, which attempt courtship with multiple females at different times, had a more “dynamic” relationship to this group. Female manta rays (which are larger than males), The RAYS of RAJA AMPAT

A locally-patrolled ranger station has also been built to enable a permanent presence by the Dampier Strait Marine Protected Area team. The objectives are to ensure that diver numbers don’t exceed 20 at the site, and that divers adhere to a code of conduct designed to minimise impact on the mantas during their regular visits to this fishy “day spa”. Raja Ampat is an iconic area for divers, snorkellers, and marine conservationists. For the mantas, too, this is one of the most important regions identified to date, and a fantastic “natural laboratory” for us all to learn more about their lives.

SIMON J PIERCE & STEPHANIE K

ALWAYS FOLLOW ‘BEST-PRACTICE’ GUIDANCE 13.

FOR ANY WILDLIFE interactions, establishing a best-practice protocol is key. This minimises animal disturbance and ensures a safe encounter for both the animal and human. We recommend the

THE NINJA WARRIOR Raja Ampat has a high proportion of melanistic (black) Reef Manta Rays. This results in an almost entirely jet black body, with just a small patch of white coloration on the underside that we use to identify individuals. Melanism is a heritable genetic trait that doesn’t appear to affect their survival or reproductive success. Ninjas make up 40% of the Raja Ampat population, the highest in the world. In comparison, melanistic mantas comprise less than 10% of other large Reef Manta populations monitored by MMF researchers around Komodo National Park, and Nusa Penida near Bali. following Basking Sharks - baskingsharks.org Whale Sharks maldiveswhalesharkresearch.orgManta Rays - mantatrust.org

websites for:

ALI

Shortfin Mako “ ”

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THERE’S NO doubt these are exceptional times and we’re all having to improvise, with the boundaries of home and work blurring for many. Working as an advocate, in more normal times I travel a lot. Taking me away from my family, but into contact with governments, researchers, the fishing industry, and fellow NGOs. Giving me the opportunity to tackle shark conservation issues face to face. But the writing was on the wall early in the new year. The rationale for meetings questioned, and postponements and cancellations followed as the novel Coronavirus took hold. Key decision-making opportunities pushed-off into the following year. I was grounded. And all this while we’ve been celebrating giving nature a break, making space for wildlife, and quietening our impact on the environment. While learning new ways to work, collaborate, and importantly maintain our close watch on the actions of fleets from countries who continue to impact sharks. Although many of our inshore fishermen have been tied-up in port, the high-seas fisheries which target Blue Shark and mako haven’t skipped a beat. In fact, the market value of mako has increased, heaping more pressure on an already exceptionally vulnerable species. So meetings may be cancelled but that simply increases the imperative to get involved – as advocates and campaigners. Our No Limits? campaign will be calling on the EU Members States, UK and other Atlantic Fishing nations, to support the scientific advice for makos: Prohibit retention and minimise all forms of mortality. Clear and simple. We’ll be recognising those missing meetings where key conservation decisions could have been secured. And we’ll be calling on Atlantic Fishing nations to #MakeTime4Makos . I hope we can count on you to get involved too! MEETINGS MAY BE CANCELLED BUT THAT SIMPLY INCREASES THE IMPERATIVE TO GET INVOLVED HOOD DIRECTOR OF CONSERVATION

sharktrust.org

PAUL DIRECTOR Basking Shark

WHILE THE HUMAN world has been forced into a corner by a virus, nature appears to be carrying on regardless. In fact, we’ve seen reports in the media that some parts of the natural world have been benefitting from the break. But we mustn’t get carried away. Our relationship with nature has been out of kilter for a long time. We’ve had the dial turned up to “max” for years. Letting things tick over for a few weeks can’t be expected to have made a fundamental change. There’s still much to be done to redress thatBut,balance.maybe being locked away from nature, as many of us have been, might just be acting as a timely reminder of how much it means to us. One of nature’s great gifts is the sight of a Basking Shark. For us, their first appearance in our waters each year has become as much a sign of spring as blossom on the trees. But, for the last few years, the once reliable Basking Sharks seem to have been giving Cornwall a wide berth on their annual journey up the west coast. There have been remarkably few sightings recorded in the South West since 2014. And then, this year, in the midst of the lockdown, we’ve seen a return to form. So far, we’ve received 10 reports of sightings in the South West, including one just south of Plymouth Sound. We’ve also seen sightings reported on social media from Ireland, Scotland, Guernsey, Isle of Man and France. And that’s with less people out there to spot them. It’s great to see and brings some light in a dark time. Another bright spot has been you – our members - thank you for your extraordinarysupport.continuedAndthe efforts of some supporters who’ve gone above and beyond to #DoSomefin for sharks. Even during lockdown. The Holder family, who raised £700 by doing 26 miles in 26 ways for their 2.6 challenge. And 9 year-old James, who’s decided to climb the height of Mount Everest on his stairs. That’s 3138 times. As I write this, he’s still going! We have a lot to be thankful for. Even as we navigate our way through these challenging times. And, for me, I can’t let the opportunity go to give thanks to the Shark Trust team. They’ve adapted magnificently. And carried on delivering their vital work from their living rooms and spare bedrooms. Nothing, it appears, can hold back positive change for sharks. So, let’s hope that when we come out of this, we’ll see a renewed appreciation of what nature gives us…and that we’re in an even stronger position to protect what we love.

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WHILE THE HUMAN WORLD HAS BEEN FORCED INTO A CORNER NATURE CARRIES ON...

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COX SHARK talk MANAGING

HOOD.CHARLESPAPRZYCKI;RALPH© sharktrust.org

WHITE SCIENTIFIC NAME: Carcharodon carcharias MAXIMUM SIZE: 6m DIET: Varied. Includes fish, sea mammals & birds. Opportunisticwill scavenge on dead whales. DISTRIBUTION: Widespread but mostly found in temperate seas. Hotspots include: South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Northeast US, California & Pacific coast of Mexico. HABITAT: Shallow & coastal waters. Travels across the open ocean at depths of 0-1,300m. STATUS: VulnerableWILDESTANIMAL/SHUTTERSTOCK©

SHARK

HEROESSHARKOUR

Conny & Molly take on a 26 toy relay race! Shark Trust’s Emma walks 2.6km in scuba gear!

● Emilie recited 26 shark facts in 2.6 minutes.

onCheckshouldercartwheelingrunning,includedchallenges.exerciseThisjumping,rolling,andrides!outtheirvideoourFBpage.

sharktrust.org/fundraise18. I’M HOPING you’re safe and well. As I write this I’m thinking about our wonderful supporters and fundraisers. Covid-19, as with everything, has had a massive effect on our plans for fundraising this year. We’ve seen numerous events cancelled and postponed. If you’re one of the many fundraisers who’d been working hard to get prepared and in-shape for your challenge, we share yourButdisappointment.allisnotlost.April the 26th saw a few supporters taking on the 2.6 challenge to help save the UK’s charities. The challenge was launched by the organisers of the London Marathon. And it involved people setting themselves a challenge around the number 2.6 or 26. Thank you to everyone who got involved. And to all of you who continue to support us and have thought of us through these difficult times. It brings a smile to our faces! Fundraising LOCKEDDOWN OUR INCLUDE:HOMEEVERYDAYHEROES “”THANK YOU TO ALL OUR ANDSUPPORTERSWONDERFULFUNDRAISERS

● The Holder Family completed 26 miles of 26

● Hazel and her mum went on a 2.6 mile bike ride wearing their very best shark themed outfits.

● Conny and Molly did a relay race to the bottom of their garden, transporting 26 (toy) sea creatures one by one.

● Emma, from our team, walked 2.6km in full SCUBA gear (above). We loved seeing all the different ways you came up with to raise some funds for us, and seeing those challenges on social media. Collectively our 2.6 challengers raised over £1300! Big thanks to you all!

● Erik and Morgan (below) walked 2.6 miles. Then Erik jumped 260 times on their trampoline.

I LOVE SHARKS and have done since I was about 5 years old. My favourite shark is a Tiger Shark because it looks really cool but really I love them all. I enjoy reading shark fact books and want to be a marine biologist when i’m older... I like sharks because unlike some species there are unlimited species and still more to discover. I really want to help find new species and learn more about current species when I grow up... I’ve also raised over £280 for this cause. I started by asking my friends and family to donate to this cause as I was so passionate about it. I’ve raised more money this year by doing a sponsored swim at my swimming club. My instructor and owner of my swim school said that I could swim a mile. Despite only ever swimming 8 lengths of the pool at any one time before. This spurred me on to do a whole mile. Although this challenge was difficult it was definitely worth it. I had my mummy, daddy, little brother Elliott, and little sister Delilah, cheering me on. I swam 1600m (1 mile) in about 65 minutes. I was so proud of myself for managing to complete my sponsored swim. This has definitely encouraged me to keep swimming and keep raising money, maybe next time I’ll swim 2 miles instead.

Shark Trust: Thanks Zachary, you rock! Zachary swims 1600m in 65 minutes!

@SharkTrustUK

19.

Save the UK’s Charities HERO: ZACHARY (AGE 9)

FUNDRAISING

20. sharktrust.org/creature-feature

THE REMAINS OF POLAR BEARS HAVE BEEN FOUND... and stablilse proteins in their body, which would otherwise stopOftenfunctioning.livingin deep dark water, Greenland Sharks don’t rely heavily on sight. This is fortunate because many have copepod parasites attached to their eyes, which renders them partially or completely blind. Even so, it’s thought that this relationship may be mutually beneficial. Being bio-luminescent, these organisms are thought to help attract prey to the shark. Animals in polar regions also tend to live a long time. Life moves slower, so everything takes longer. By measuring amounts of the radioactive isotope Carbon-14, scientists have discovered that Greenland Sharks live ~400 years, making them the longest-living shark on earth!

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GREENLAND

SHARK CREATURE FEATURE

reenland Sharks belong to a group known as the sleeper sharks. Named for their slow and sluggish demeanor. Cruising at around 0.34m per second, Greenland Sharks are the slowest shark in the world. Yet, when you live in cold waters, life must be taken at a slower paceconserving energy is vital. While known to be scavengers, they’re also opportunistic predators and will ambush prey. A short broad tail provides quick bursts of speed, enabling them to catch fast-swimming salmon and seals. But this is rare. To conserve energy, Greenland Sharks tend to take a craftier approach, sneaking up on prey while they sleep. They’ve also been seen attacking Caribou as they drink from riverbanks. Scientists even discovered an entire reindeer (including the antlers!) in the stomach contents of one individual. While the remains of polar bears have Atlantictothey’renamefoundbeeninothers.Astheirsuggests,nativetheNorthandArctic waters around Greenland, Canada and Iceland. While shark diversity is low in this region, species that live here can grow to an enormous size. And Greenland Sharks are no exception. Reaching over 7m in length, they can weigh over a tonne (1000kg)!Highconcentrations of Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and urea in their tissues enable them to function in the extreme cold. Acting as an anti-freeze, these chemicals prevent the internal formation of ice crystals

COMMONS.ODONTOBASE/WIKIMEDIADEYNATPASCAL©BANFI/NATUREPL.COM,FRANCO©

RANGE:

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//FOR MORE on this study search Shark Skin and Dziergwa.

NAME:SCIENTIFIC microcephalusSomniosus MAXIMUM

HABITAT:

ice. Recorded in shallow waters

2,200m deep. STATUS: ThreatenedNear

@SharkTrustUK 21.

ONE OF the biggest wheredecade...ofscratchersheadthelastjustisall the CO 2 from human activity going? The fact that it wasn’t rapidly increasing in the atmosphere was a classic line of “evidence” promoted by climate change deniers. But it was going somewhere. And it was having a truly monumental impact. Mix CO 2 in water and you get an acidic solution. The more you mix in, the more acidic it’ll become. Measured on the pH scale, the ocean has historically had a value of ~8.2. But recently it’s been recorded as dropping to 8.1. This may not sound a big change. But pH works on a logarithmic scale; so, this actually equates to a 30% increase in properties.incredibledenticles,thearrangement,bodycuspsteeth.denticles,ofskin.could(andincreasedstudy,(corals,protectionthateffectsstartedScientistsacidity!havealreadytoresearchtheofacidityonanimalsrelyonlimestoneforandgrowthmolluscsetc.).Thishowever,looksathowCO2concentrationsthusincreasedacidity)adverselyaffectsharkTheplacoidscalessharks,akadermalareessentiallyAllalignedwiththepointingdownthetowardsthetail.ThiscombinedwithstructureofthedermalgivessharkshydrodynamicAswellassuperb

TOM ‘THE BLOWFISH’ HIRD’S SCIENTIFIC BREAKDOWN protection in the form of flexible armour. This study has shown that increased acidity will cause these denticles to degrade. Just like a tooth exposed to too much fizzy pop! In turn, the damaged denticles will offer less protection, make the shark less streamlined, and will need to be replaced by the shark far more frequently. All in all, it could put a great strain on the physiology of these truly incredible predators. While overfishing is still THE big issue for sharks, this study suggests that there could be trouble down the line for sharks as the ocean chemistry changes.

HOW CLIMATE CHANGE IS AFFECTING SHARKS

THE blowfish

A new report in Nature at the end of last year brought us some early evidence for one possible impact of climate change on sharks. We asked Tom to take a look...

SHARK SKIN COULD START TO DEGRADE... LIKE A TOOTH IN FIZZY POP Dermal denticles of a Lemon Shark viewed through a scanning electron microscope. SIZE: 7m DIET: Fish, squid & crab. Also scavenge on land animals & sea birds. Cold waters of the North Atlantic & Arctic, 10°C.rangetemperatureswherecanfrom-1°Cto Often found in deep, dark Or under to

water.

eggcase.org

W e’ve loved watching the Great Eggcase Hunt grow over the years and seeing how much enjoyment it gives people of all generations!Atlastcount, we’ve had an incredible >272,500 eggcase records submitted. In 2016 we wrote a report celebrating 100,000 records. So, most of these are actually from the past ~4 years. The rise in social media and the beach clean movement are likely strong contributors. But nonetheless we’re ecstatic (or is that egg-static?) to see so many people getting involved with this novel project. Eggcase Hunt

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AT THE LAST COUNT WE HAD AN INCREDIBLE 272,500 EGGCASE RECORDS SUBMITTED

SMALLSPOTTED29%CATSHARK<1%BLACKMOUTHCATSHARK<1%BLUESKATE<1%CUCKOORAY<1%SMALL-EYEDRAY <1%NON-UKSPECIES<1%WHITESKATE<1%STARRYSKATE SPOTTED12%RAY THORNBACK28%UNDULATE13%RAYRAY 5%FLAPPERSKATEBLONDE3%RAY NURSEHOUND7%

22.

PROJECT UPDATE: The Great

BORN FROM A CHANCE FIND IN 2003, THE GREAT EGGCASE HUNT HAS GROWN TO BECOME ONE OF OUR FLAGSHIP PROJECTS. We’re also delighted to see a growth in records submitted from beyond the UK. Eggcase hunting really can take place anywhere. We had notable records in 2019 from Chile, Ibiza, and Gibraltar. And an increase of records coming in from Canada. We’re currently developing eggcase ID posters for Greece, Turkey and Israel. So we hope to see more records from across the Mediterranean. 2020 will be an odd year for eggcase records. We’ll no doubt see a reduction in submissions with fewer people able to get out and visit their usual beaches. As such, we revamped our indoor Easter Eggcase Hunt trail so supporters could still eggcase hunt from the safety of their own homes and gardens. As ever, thank you to every one of you who has submitted your eggcase finds over the years!

baskingsharks.org

“ ” OVER RECENT YEARS, THERE HAVE BEEN FEWER BASKING SHARK SIGHTINGS IN SOUTHWEST ENGLAND 9 140 0 7 IRELAND 15 reported elsewhere around the UK & Ireland 23. Our favourite photo fom 2019 was taken by Scott Mitchell, who encountered this Basking Shark whilst sailing ~3nm off Troon Harbour, Firth of Clyde (Scotland). SOUTHWEST ENGLAND 6 HEBRIDES (MULL) HEBRIDES (SKYE) MALIN HEAD ISLE OF MAN BASKING HOTSPOTSSHARKPLUSKEY: NUMBER OF REPORTEDSHARKSBASKINGIN 2019

SINCE 1997, we’ve been collecting sightings from anyone lucky enough to encounter a Basking Shark. In total our citizen scientists have recorded 2211 individuals. 2019 saw a total of 37 sightings reported to us from around the UK and Ireland. These accounted for 51 individuals. But we know some of these may have been repeat sightings of the same shark. Although the number of sightings is lower than previous years, this may not necessarily mean there are fewer sharks. They may be present in deeper waters, so not visible from the surface. Or be appearing in different locations. Over recent years we’ve seen a trend for more Basking Sharks being reported to us from Scotland and fewer in southwest England. There are several possible reasons for this. One theory, is that the plankton they feed on has moved range due to climate-induced sea temperature changes. But it’s not clear so we need more insight into their behaviour. And more sightings can help with this. We’ll be working with a number of partners to look into the seasonal changes. We’re also pleased to be combining our Basking Shark Sightings Database with the Marine Conservation Society’s ‘Basking Shark Watch’ to create one central database. Big thanks to all our supporters who’ve submitted their sightings. We look forward to seeing and hearing about your shark encounters this year!

PROJECT UPDATE: Basking Sharks WE’VE CHAMPIONED THE ICONIC BASKING SHARK SINCE THE VERY BEGINNING. NOW WIDELY PROTECTED, WE STILL HAVE MUCH TO LEARN ABOUT THESE AMAZING BRITISH SHARKS.

AGN CR CR 244Global: Europe: Max. length:CRMed:

MANAGEMENT*

SMALL-EYED RAY Raja microocellata NT NTRJE 91cm IDENTIFY Global: Europe: Max. length: SIZE AND BIOLOGY Dorsal view ♀ Ventral view ♀ Raja undulata Lacepède, 1802 Undulate Skate, Painted Ray, Wellenlinien-Rochen (DEU), Raya Mosaica (ESP), Raie Brunette (FRA), Razza Ondulata (ITA), Raia-curva (PRT), Golfrog (NLD). ►Max.►Birth: 14cm.TL: 114cm, possibly to 120cm. ►Age maturity: years; years. ►Oviparous, usually laid between March and ►FemalesSeptember.produce around 30 annually. primarily crustaceans; larger benthic crustaceans and teleosts. Patchy distribution in the NortheastSenegal,Atlantic including the Canary Islands, and Western Parallel rows occasionally present adult females. margin. 0–2 interdorsal greenishthorns. yellow greyish ►Pattern of undulating dark bands bordered by small ►Otherspots.larger white spots present.greymargins.

HABITATMANAGEMENT*REFERENCES European BASKING SHARK BSK/NEA/2020 *Information correct at time of printing (2020). ►Tiny, peg-like vestigial teeth, ~5mm in height. ►Upper jaw: ►Lower jaw: 200+ ►Subject to prohibitions under the CFP, RFMO and FNA regulations. regulations apply.

►Mature: ~58cm.►Oviparous,females produce 54–61 annually. ►Eggcases frequently laid June-September. Embryonic ►Juvenilesdevelopmentfeed benthic crustaceans; adults primarily feed Northeast Atlantic from the British Isles to commonly and English Channels. Absent from the North Conspicuously eyes. 2 Tail slightly shorter than body. 3 Row of ~50 thorns along midline to first dorsal fin. ►Dorsal surface pale sandy brown to olive ►Light running parallel margins ►Lighter streaks, spots and blotches in regular patterns.

HABITATTEETH

SPECIES IDENTIFICATIONA VITAL TOOL FOR CONSERVATION Overfishing remains the biggest threat facing sharks, skates and rays. Because they’re so diverse, a one size fits all approach doesn’t work when developing and implementing effective fisheries management. Successful and sustainable management requires a species-specific approach. Yet this can only happen if all elasmobranch species are correctly identified and recorded when caught. Whilst scientific surveys gather much data, the fishing industry holds valuable knowledge.

UNDULATE RAY Raja undulata RJU IDENTIFY EN NT 114cmGlobal: Europe: Max. length:NTMed:

♀ ♀

Sawback Angelshark Squatina aculeata Smoothback Angelshark Squatina oculata Squatina squatina Funded Gordon 2017. Ebert Stehmann. 2013.

IDENTIFICATIONBIOLOGYAND COLOUR

European ANGELSHARK AGN/NEA/2020 *Information correct at time of printing (2020). ►Large, sharp, oblique single-cusped teeth. ►Upper jaw:18–22. ►Lower jaw:18–22. ►Subject to prohibitions under the CFP, RFMO and FNA regulations. Additional international regulations apply.

NAMES

ANGELSHARK Squatina squatina

COMMON SIZE AND SCIENTIFIC NAME 1 2 4 3 (Gunnerus, 1765) BASKING SHARK Bone Shark, Elephant Shark, Riesenhai (DEU), Peregrino (ESP), Pélerin (FRA), Squalo Elefante (ITA), Reuzenhaai (NLD), Tubarão-frade (PRT). ►Max.►Birth: 150–200cm.690–980cm;TL: 1200cm.►Agematurity:years; years. est. ►Ovoviviparous50 reproduction; embryos eggs ►Gestation(oophagy).period est. 1–3.5 years; litter size 1–6 pups. filter-feeder; feeds crustacean larvae, fish eggs. temperate also found in deep water below the tropical equatorial Eastern Atlantic from Russia Senegal, including (reported east Syrian waters), and from Namibia to South Africa. Large gill slits almost encircle head. OriginHuge of first dorsal fin behind pectoral fin trailing edges. (juveniles elongated, snouts). ►Grey, grey-brown, blue-grey to blackish dorsally. Flanks lighter striping spots. ►Similar, Often blotches on underside of head and abdomen.

BASKING SHARK Cetorhinus maximus ENBSK Global: EN 1200Europe: Max. length:ENMed: SIZE AND IDENTIFICATIONBIOLOGYAND COLOUR SCIENTIFIC NAME 12 Dorsal view ♀ ♀ Squatina squatina (Linnaeus, 1758) ANGELSHARK Angel Shark, Monkfish, Engelhai (DEU), Angelote (ESP), Ange De Mer (FRA), Squadro (ITA), Zee-engel (NLD), Anjo (PRT). ►Birth: 24–30cm.male80–132cm. ►Max. TL: female ~244cm; ►Ovoviviparous, gestation period 8–10 months. Litters of 7–25 pups recorded, litter size depends on size of female. Pups born Dec-Feb in Mediterranean. ►Ambush predator: predominantly feeds on teleosts, esp. flatfish. Eats other demersal fishes, skates, crustaceans, and molluscs. Reduced from much of its former range. Found in the Northeast Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea. Regularly encountered in the Canary Islands, occasional records from Celtic and Sea. Broad, flattened body. Dorsal fins set back on tail. ►Grey to red-brown dorsally with small white spots and scattered dark blotches. Pattern of light lines sometimes ►Whitevisible.ventrally.

►IUCN RedGlobal:List: Critically Endangered (2019) Europe: Critically Endangered (2019) Mediterranean: Critically Endangered (2016) ►Conservative life history traits and intense fishing significant decline in abundance. Conservation action guided by the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Angel Shark Conservation Strategy, the Canary Islands Action Plan and the Mediterranean Regional ►Demersal predator found in temperate waters from shallows to 150m. Prefers muddy and sandy substrates coastal waters and bays. ►Active nocturnal predator, rests during the day often with only eyes and spiracles showing above ►Limited tagging data indicate high site-fidelity; some longer-distance movements reported. In the northern parts of its range this species has been known to migrate seasonally, which may be offshore to inshore, or south to north migrations during summer.

They’re central to contributing vital information through the catch recording process. Developed using the most up-to-date information available, these guides will assist the fishing industry, enforcement bodies, researchers and policy makers. Helping them to quickly and accurately identify and record elasmobranchs to species level. We’re pleased to provide these guides to the wider fishing industry, along with our annually updated Commercial Fisheries Advisories. And would like to thank the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) for making this possible. Our hope is that these resources will help to improve the species-specific data for sharks, skates and rays encountered in the British Isles and Northeast Atlantic. Whilst developed to aid the wider fishing industry and enforcement sector, we know that shark fans will be keen to see the guides and learn more about their favourite species. So head to the website and check them out now

Introducing our updated Identification Guides WHO’S WHO? “ ” A ONE SIZE FITS ALL DOESN’TAPPROACHWORK 24. HOW CAN YOU HELP SHARKS?ANGEL If you see an angel yourpleasesharkreportsighting! If it’s while diving you can record this to the Angel Shark Sightings Map at angelsharknetwww. apwork.com/#m. Or if usemailetc.)magazine,(e.g.somewherespottedelsefishmarket,online,thenpleasedetailstoat sharktrust.organgels@ FUNDED BY:

3 Dorsal view ♀ Ventral view ♀ 1 & 2 Raja microocellata Montagu, 1818 SMALL-EYED RAY Small-Eyed Skate, Painted Ray, Owl Ray, Painted Skate, Kleinäugiger Rochen (DEU), Raya Colorada (ESP), Raie Mêlée (FRA), Kleinoogrog (NLD), Raia Zimbreira (PRT).

TEETH

►Historically targeted oil, fins, skin, cartilage; fins remain extremely valuable in global fin large high quality. Endangered (2019) Europe: EndangeredEndangered(2015) (2016) ►Whilst heavily protected, this shark’s global abundance still below historic levels and population►Coastalrecoveryto pelagic, from the surface to >1,200m. ►Recorded►Primarily in coastal waters and to the continental edge slope. thermal fronts, headlands, islands and enclosed bays ►Knownduringstrongthespring/summer.undertakeseasonal migrations, including transequatorial frequency and function of these longer-distance yet fully ►Aggregates seasonally temperate continentalzooplankton abundance; also potentially for mating and to give Porbeagle Shark Cetorhinus maximus Funded Ebert, Stehmann. 2013. Sims. 2008. Sims 2005.

RODRIGUESVASCONUNO© I t’s been 10 years since we published our identification guides. In that time, increased interest, as well as improved research and recording techniques have led to an abundance of new information about these incredible animals. Based on this, we’re excited to reveal our revised ‘ Identification Guide to Sharks, Skates and Rays of the British andIslesNortheast Atlantic ’. And our newlydeveloped ‘Pocket Guide to Sharks, Skates and Rays of the British Isles’.

►Historically landed for human consumption, liver oil, and ►Occasionallyfishmeal.reported as bycatch in trawl, longline and set-net fisheries.

We’ve been working with iSea, Turkish Marine Research Foundation (TUDAV), and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) to develop the first SubRAP for the Mediterranean. We’ve started with the Aegean Sea. As this is a shared water body between Greece and Turkey, we need to make this a highly collaborative plan with engagement from stakeholders (governments, industry etc.) in both countries. Turkey have already adopted national legislation for angel sharks. But, while subject to an EU Regulation, Greece are yet to adopt national legislation. So, this is a priority action. All 3 Mediterranean angel sharks are present in this region, and iSea have seen them for sale during many of their fish market surveys.

LIBYA In Libya, shark meat (including angel sharks) is often marketed as ‘sea dog’. Without further clarification of species. Marine Biology Libya recently launched a social media campaign encouraging fishers to release any endangered sharks caught, including angel sharks. And this has already been a huge success. Many fishers have said that, now they know angel sharks in the region are Critically Endangered, they’re releasing them straightaway. A photo of an Angelshark swimming was even submitted by a diver from the Benjawad coast. Such photos in the Mediterranean are very rare! While they’re still regularly seen in fish markets (in numbers that potentially indicate a hotspot for this species), this education campaign is a really positive start and is certainly making a difference.

PROJECTSPECIESTHREATENEDSAVINGUPDATE:

All 3 species found in the MediterraneanSawback ( Squatina aculeata ), Smoothback ( S. oculata ), and Angelshark ( S. squatina ) - are technically protected under a binding Recommendation. But each country needs to transpose that regulation into national law. And then enforce it. So, we’re working closely with regional partners to achieve the goals laid out in the Action Plan, for example:

IN DECEMBER we launched the Mediterranean Angel Sharks: Regional Action Plan. Since then, we’ve translated this into Arabic, French, and Spanish. So now it can be more widely used across the Mediterranean. Plus, we’ve been developing SubRegional Action Plans (SubRAP) in priority regions. Allowing us to identify necessary actions to better protect angel sharks at more local levels.

FIND OUT MORE: About our work on angel sharks at www.sharktrust.org/angelsharks Angelshark

How we’re using science-based conservation planning and engaging with key stakeholders to protect angel sharks.

WE’LL BE working with both iSea and Marine Biology in Libya, along with other regional partners, to further develop resources and fulfil actions outlined in the SubRAPs.

25.

GREECE AND TURKEY

26. sharktrust.org/careers “ ” IT’S CHRISTMASLIKE IS COMINGDAY!EVERY

LOWS – WHAT’S THE WORST THING ABOUT YOUR JOB?

HIGHS - WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It’s common for me to receive emails with attachments of sharks and rays from friends and colleagues asking about their identification. Most of the time they’re common species, but now and then I get one that’s something unusual, rare or possibly new to science. It’s like having Christmas coming every day! I think the best part of my ‘typical’ workday is that it’s never typical!

Always having to seek funding to keep researching and searching for lost sharks. WHAT’S THE STRANGEST THING TO HAPPEN IN YOUR JOB? I’m not sure it’s the strangest, but it was funny. After I received my Ph.D. I was on an international flight and on the boarding

It doesn’t seem like a job! Most days there’s something new or different going on. I always seem to be going somewhere, which information there was a question about my preferred prefix. Since I was a newly minted Dr (of fish) I ticked the Dr. box. Well, about halfway through the flight an attendant taps me on the shoulder and asks if I was a Dr. To which I said, well yes I am. I was then asked to look at a sick passenger. I replied, well if they have a fish I might be able to help, but if it’s person I’m not that kind of Dr. Needless to say I’ve never ticked the Dr. box on a flight since. is the best part. I get to travel places most people have never heard of or may only see on television. It’s what keeps me going, the prospects of a new adventure, a new place to visit and explore. It’s about taking the road less travelled.

WHAT DOES A ‘TYPICAL’ WORKING DAY LOOK LIKE?

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE STARTING OUT?

WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?

If you want to succeed in this profession you need to publish and learn to speak publically. It sounds simple, but both skills are critical. And of course doing good science. But as one of my mentors told me if you don’t publish and can’t speak to a group of your peers your science will never be fully recognized.

GHOSTPACIFICEASTERNBLACKSHARK ( melanophasmaHydrolagus ) Discovered in 2009, this chimaera has an unusual spiked organ on its head called a tentaculum that’s presumed to be used for Findmating.outmore at comwww.lostsharkguy.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE THIS CAREER? My parents gave me a book on sharks when I was about 5 years old and I thought these were the coolest things I’d ever seen! Normally kids eventually grow out of that phase, but not me. Nope I decided by the time I was 10 that I was going to travel the world and study sharks!

TOP DISCOVERIESSHARKLOST3

Ha, there’s a lot. But not knowing what comes next is part of the adventure.

LANTERNSHARKNINJA

EASTERN PYGMY FALSE CATSHARK ( indicusPlanonasus ) Found by Dave in Sri Lanka in March 2018. One of his best finds. This small catshark grows to just 64cm and is found in water 200-1000m deep.

WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WISH YOU’D KNOWN STARTING OUT?

HOW DID YOU LAND YOUR CURRENT POSITION? After I finished my Ph.D. and couldn’t find a job I decided to go into aquaculture and farmed shellfish for about 10 years. Yet, during this time I maintained my contacts, attended professional conferences, published Dave with a sixgill shark & two bramble sharks, which may be a new species. The rare & elusive Goblin Shark can be found at depths of 1,300m. In the field: Dave diving the Coral Sea. frequently, wrote a book, and kept my hand in the field until a position came up. It was a former academic advisor, Greg Cailliet, who received funding as part of the National Shark Research Consortium who asked me if I was interested in joining him to start the program. It was perseverance and patience that paid off.

Learn skills, writing, speaking, field and lab techniques, analytical methods and data collection. Anything that’ll help set you apart once you graduate. And don’t narrow yourself to the field of shark science. Other seemingly unrelated skills will make you a more rounded person and may enhance your job prospects.

NAME: Dave Ebert JOB TITLE ORGANISATION:& Director, Pacific Shark Research Center / Moss Landing Marine Laboratories KNOWN AS: The Lost Shark Guy, for spearheading a global effort to find and discover little and unknown sharks. His search has taken him to 6 continents and over 30 countries, where he’s discovered and named over 40 new shark species.

This stealthy little shark with a sleek black appearance was discovered in 2015. It’s scientific name ( Etmopterus benchleyi) is a tribute to the author of Jaws.

31. sharktrust.org/pups-zone CATS & DOGS (?!) COLOURING IN: BLUE SHARKS CONGRATULATIONS to George (age 8) for being the first to complete our crossword from the last issue. Well done George! We hope you’re enjoying your sticker set. A.ANSWERS ✔ B. ✔ C. ✗ D. ✔ E ✔ F. ✗ G. ✔ H. ✗ I ✔ J. ✔ K. ✔ L. ✗ Colour in these playful Blue Sharks and send your creations to focus@sharktrust.org THERE ARE OVER 240 SPECIES OF CATSHARK AND DOGFISH. SOME OF WHICH HAVE REALLY SILLY NAMES! CAN YOU SPOT THE REAL CATS AND DOGS FROM THE FAKE ONES? A. PANAMA GHOST D.C.CATSHARKB.SHARKSPONGEHEADINDIANWHITETAILBIRDBEAKDOGFISH E. FROG FISH F. SMOOTH FINNED G.DOGFISHHAPPY CHAPPIE H. HENRY’S CATSHARK I. CRYING IZAK J. CATSHARKL.K.CATSHARKSPATULASNOUTVELVETBELLYSPOTBELLY ALLEN.ROBKAINRATH/SHUTTERSTOCK;ANITABANFI/NATUREPL.COM;FRANCOHILLEWAERT;HANS©

Few sharks can survive the EXTREME cold waters of the north and south poles. But those who can grow to an enormous size. The Greenland Shark is the largest fish in the Arctic, reaching over 7M long. Slow and sluggish but capable of short bursts of speed, they sneak up on REINDEER while they drink. A whole reindeer, including the antlers, was discovered in the stomach of one Greenland Shark. While the remains of a POLAR BEAR was found in another!

sharktrust.org/pups-zone

The ocean’s dark depths is the largest habitat on earth. Yet, less than 1% has been explored! Very few species live here. It’s pitch black. Freezing cold. And there isn’t much to eat. Yet, even here, sharks survive. The deepest-living shark on record is the Portuguese Dogfish, who can live at depths of 3,700m!

Some sharks, skates and rays, spend a lot of time buried under the sand. Either hiding from predators, or lying in wait to snap up prey. But how do they breathe with their nostrils and gills covered? Luckily, they also have 2 small breathing holes, known as spiracles, behind the eyes.

5 SURPRISING PLACES SHARKS LIVE

ICY WATERS

4 MANGROVES

BELIEVE IT NOT?

Less than 5% of all sharks, skates & rays are found in WARM FRESHWATER While some live here, others can only tolerate it for a short time. Except for the Bull Shark. They can live in both freshwater & saltwater. But can only reproduce in saltwater. They may swim as far as 2,500 MILES from the sea, up the Amazon River.

These small trees grow in brackish waters. Where the freshwater from rivers mixes with the sea. In BIMINI, young Lemon Sharks thrive among the mangroves. Each spring pregnant females arrive to give birth in this SHARK HAVEN. The mangroves provide shelter from larger predators and lots of food.

FRESHWATER

1 3

30.

DEEP-SEA (BELOW 1000M)

5UNDER THE SAND

SHARK TRUST: Welcome to Pup’s Club James! Thank you so much for your lovely comments and support. We’re delighted you liked your pack and hope you had a fin-tastic birthday.

IN OUR NEXT ISSUE…

LUCIE (AGE 7) “I LOVE

OLIVER (AGE 11) Shark Trust: Thank you both for all your hard work. Those cakes look delicious!

“We really enjoyed baking the cakes and cookies for our bake sale and seeing so many people buy and enjoy them. We hope the money we raised helps a fantastic cause. Sharks are jaw-some!”

WRITE

A A YUM! INCREDIBLE!

James loves all things sharks. After reading about shark finning he wanted to do something to help, so became a Pup’s Club member.

sharktrust.org/pups-zone29.

Birthday Pup BY JAMES , AGE 5

LOOKSHARKWHENTOTOTOCANLEFTTHERE’SSHARKS...NOTMANYANDPEOPLEBEHORRIBLETHEM.IWANTEDRAISEMONEYSTOPEXTINCTION...IGROWUP,IWANTTOBEAVETANDAFTERTHEM.”

BASKING BAKE OFF Oliver and Luca held a bake sale at their school. Selling over 100 homemade cakes and raising £145! “For as long as I can remember I’ve been fascinated by sharks. They are the most amazing creatures but sadly are misunderstood. Sharks deserve our respect and protection and I am proud to support the Shark Trust.” LUCA (AGE 10)

SWIMMERSHARKY 2! ZACHARY (AGE 9) Zachary raised a whopping £288 by swimming 64 lengths of the pool. That’s 1 mile for sharks! Find out more on p.18. Big thanks to you both for all your support. Your enthusiasm and love of sharks is inspiring! L IS FOR LUCIE

BRILLIANT BAMBOO BEN (AGE 6) Big thanks to Ben for sending us his incredible drawing of bamboo sharks. There’s also a hidden Tasselled Wobbegong. Can you find it? TO HEAR FROM YOU! TO US AT FOCUS@SHARKTRUST.ORG YOU MAY APPEAR

YOUR LETTERS WE LOVE

LETTERSTAR

We were thrilled to receive this photo of Lucie with her A-Z poster. We hope her mum enjoyed learning about all the different shark species during her lesson from Lucie.

AND

SHARKY SWIMMER 1... NOAH (AGE 8) Noah raised an incredible £167 by swimming for sharks. He completed a ½ mile, which is 32 lengths of a swimming pool.

“Thank you for the lovely membership pack you sent me. The sticker is on my window and I love the magazine and leaflets. Thank you for looking after all the sharks as well.”

We all know SHARKS just HOW fast? Well, you probably know the FASTEST Mako. It can do 30mph! That’s 6X faster than the quickest HUMAN swimmer. So how do they reach such incredible speeds? Well, for one, they’re SUPER SLEEK, like a living torpedo. Then, they have those amazing SCALES, the dermal denticles, which help water to flow smoothly over their skin. Finally, you have their AWESOME MUSCLES, which all concentrate in a very small area connecting to the large TAIL FIN. This means all the POWER of the body gets condensed into one spot before transferring to the tail for ULTIMATE thrust!

Can you find all 20 words about our Great Eggcase Hunt project in the wordsearch below? Including 14 egg-laying sharks and skates.

Can you find all 20 words about our Great Eggcase Hunt Project in the wordsearch below? Including 14 egg-laying sharks and skate.

BLACKMOUTHAPRON CATSHARK

POWER!TAIL

28.

WHAT MAKES SHARKS THE BEST SWIMMERS?

WORDSEARCHSHARKLOCOMOTION?

The mechanics of how a shark moves is very similar to that of an aeroplane. The tail acts as the propeller. As they move this from side to side, they’re propelled forward. And this forward motion pushes water over and beneath their pectoral fins. These act as the wings, enabling a shark to steer and position themselves in the water. To go up or down, a shark only needs to tilt their fins to adjust the pressure of water. If the pressure is greater below the fins, the shark is lifted up. If the pressure is greater above the fins, the shark is pushed down into deeper water.

MERMAID’S NURSEHOUNDPURSES

SMALLSPOTTEDHORNSFLAPPEREGGCASESCUCKOOCAPSULEBLUEBLONDE CATSHARK

MERMAIDSKEELSWHITEUNDULATETHORNBACKTENDRILSSTARRYSPOTTEDSMALLEYEDNURSEHOUNDPURSES

BLACKMOUTHAPRON CATSHARK

sharktrust.org/pups-zone

GREAT EGGCASE HUNT

C P ! up’s lub achievements!!AllAMAZINGYOU’REYOURnewsand PUZZLES & GAMES SHARKS!! Where you least expect to find them... BELIEVE IT OR NOT... THE BLOWFISH SHARK LOCOMOTION ©PETERDEMAAGT WHICH IS THE FASTEST SHARK IN THE SEA? DO YOU KNOW